A coalition of children’s health advocates today applauded the Governor’s decision to sign SB 18 (Leno/Hernandez). The Children’s Partnership, Children Now, the Children’s Defense Fund-CA, California Coverage and Health Initiatives, United Ways of California and PICO-CA joined together to thank the Governor for continuing California’s commitment to expanded health coverage.

SB 18 provides for the state to accept $12 million in private foundation and federal funds to help with Medi-Cal renewals. “Governor Brown led the way on California’s implementation of the ACA and Medicaid expansion, and we are pleased to see that commitment extend to helping families keep their health coverage once they have it,” said Judy Darnell, Director of Public Policy at United Ways of California.

“More than half of California’s children are covered by Medi-Cal, but they need to renew their coverage every year,” said Wendy Lazarus, Founder & Co-President of The Children’s Partnership. “New income requirements and a confusing renewal notice have slowed renewals, so this assistance program has come just in time.”

“The $6 million from The California Endowment will be matched by $6 million in federal dollars, providing a needed boost to enrollment and renewal assistance efforts,” said Suzie Shupe, Executive Director of California Coverage & Health Initiatives.

"Governor Brown's smart decision to use private funds to leverage millions of federal dollars without state contribution will allow California to help hundreds of thousands of low-income people to keep the health insurance they need," said Children's Defense Fund-California's Executive Director, Alex Johnson.​

###

The Children's Partnership (TCP) is a national, nonprofit child advocacy organization working to ensure that all children - especially those at risk of being left behind - have the resources and the opportunities they need to grow up healthy and to lead productive lives. TCP focuses particular attention on securing health coverage for uninsured children and ensuring that the opportunities of digital technology benefit all children and families.www.childrenspartnership.org

Children Now is a nonpartisan research and advocacy organization working to raise children's well-being to the top of the state and national policy agenda. Children Now focuses on ensuring quality health care, a solid education and a positive media environment for all children. www.childrennow.org

Children's Defense Fund-California (CDF-CA) is the California office of the Children's Defense Fund, a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for 35 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. The Children’s Defense Fund champions policies and programs that lift children out of poverty, protect them from abuse and neglect, and ensure their access to health care, a quality education, and a moral and spiritual foundation. www.cdfca.org

PICO California is the state’s largest community organizing network. We organize in 73 cities, 35 school districts, and in more than one-half of the state's Senate and Assembly districts. PICO California was established in 1994, bringing together local federations from throughout California to affect meaningful budget and policy change at the state level. Over the past 20 years, our organizing and policy advocacy has resulted in increased investments in education and healthcare, and in programs and services that are critical for working families. Together, we represent 480 congregations and 450,000 families of diverse economic, racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds committed to advancing racial and economic justice in California through organizing, advocacy, and voter engagement. www.picocalifornia.org

California Coverage & Health Initiatives (CCHI), a leader in health advocacy for children and families, is a statewide association of outreach and enrollment organizations that are focused on helping children and families navigate into affordable health coverage and have access to high quality health care and other services. With firsthand experience and success enrolling children into public programs, such as Medi-Cal, as well as administering local Healthy Kids programs, the members of CCHI have shown that coverage for all children in California is a reachable goal. www.cchi4families.org

United Ways of California (UWCA) is the state association for California’s local United Ways. UWCA works to improve the health, education and financial stability for low-income children and families by enhancing and coordinating the advocacy and community impact work of California’s United Ways. UWCA is a strong advocate of expanding health coverage to all California children and their families. United Ways work closely with local community and business leaders, state and federal legislators, and volunteers to promote this achievable and important goal. www.unitedwaysca.org